The support of all of the Provincial Management Support Teams and all of the other professional staff will also be crucial to successfully achieving this enormous challenge for the Association, especially in the early phases next spring in 2010.
IMPLEMENTATION
I am now challenging the Training, Programme, Provincial and County Teams to reach out and build everlasting dynamic relationships through the process of implementing the New Programme and I am asking you to support, encourage and coach our adults to provide effective, exciting and challenging programme for our youth members. You have a “once in a generation” opportunity and I will not be found wanting in supporting your roles in this.
CASTLE SAUNDERSON
I am very pleased to report that significant and incremental progress on completing the €3.025 million campsite has been made in 2009. In early 2009, contracts were agreed with Cavan County Council for the purchase of 73 acres of land at Castle Saunderson from Scouting Ireland, and with Coillte for the purchase of a new Right of Way for access from the Republic of Ireland to the new campsite. A steering committee consisting of the lead partner Cavan County Council, Scouting Ireland and the Scout Association of Northern Ireland was formed in mid 2009 to supervise the construction of the campsite.
Scouting Ireland representatives on this committee are:-
• The Chief Scout, Michael John Shinnick
• National Treasurer, Niall Walsh
• CEO, Eamonn Lynch
• Support Officer Campsites, Damien O’Sullivan
Tenders were sought from contractors for the campsite construction and an announcement is imminent on the selection of a successful contractor with an expectation that the campsite will be completed in late 2010. The securing of funding for this major project is not a serendipitous event, it is rather a testament to the hard work and dedication of many personnel in Scouting, and in Cavan County Council with Jack Keyes and his team, who have all battled valiantly against seemingly insuperable odds to bring this project to fruition.
MEMBERSHIP GROWTH
The growth of membership of 6.5% in 2009 is very encouraging Recruitment initiatives such as ‘Bring a Pal’, ‘Retention 101’ , plus the proactive intervention of Provincial Management support teams and professional Provincial Support staff have all jointly contributed to this successful outcome. I am convinced that there is still untapped potential for further growth in the Association, with the roll out of the new programme and the potential benefits it will bring to the holistic development of our youth members, I believe that membership can surpass the 40,000 figure. Future continued growth will only be limited by lack of focus, creativity and determination to promulgate the benefits of Scouting to the Youth of Ireland.
AN GAISCE/DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
Scouting Ireland entered into a partnership with An Gaisce/ Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme whereby Scouting Ireland will operate a franchise scheme under the aegis of the Chief Scouts Award which will challenge Youth Members to achieve their full potential. The partnership with An Gaisce will also enhance the Chief Scouts Award and provide certification of a significant level of achievement for any youth member of Scouting who strives to reach a higher goal.
MEETING WITH THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION
A meeting was hosted between Scouting Ireland and the Scout Association in Gilwell Park on Friday 04th September 2009 and was very informative with a productive mutual transfer of information and the communication of ideas and suggestions for the possible benefit of both Associations. Subsequently a discussion was held with the National Management Committee and the Northern Province and the consensus opinion was that the Agreement with The Scout Association, on membership of Scouting Ireland Groups in Northern Ireland, in its current format is working well and that Scouting Ireland can work effectively with The Scout Association, within the existing parameters of the agreement. It was also agreed that the Memorandum of Agreement should be reviewed with The Scout Association in 5 years time, to assess how the agreement is operating at that time.
With the successes outlined above I have had an auspicious start to my tenure as Chief Scout and I intend to maintain this momentum so that Scouting Ireland as a pre-eminent youth organisation, can achieve its full potential.
I remain very optimistic about the future of Scouting Ireland and with the continued support that I have received in the past year from the members of the Association, the National Management Committee (NMC) and the National Team for Policy Implementation and Coordination (NTPIC) and the indispensable support and input that the Association has received from the CEO Eamonn Lynch and all of the Professional Staff, I believe that 2010 and beyond will yield a golden era in the development of Scouting Ireland. Through the effective communication of Scout values together we can lead this great movement onwards and upwards.
Michael John Shinnick Chief Scout
is part of my commitment to constantly review our insurance policies and ensure we are providing the best possible service at good value to our members. Full details of our insurance cover can be requested from National Office.
NATIONAL COUNCIL
National Council 2009 took place in the Northern Province and once again numbers of participants grew and this was our largest National Council to date. Unfortunately the trend continues of some Groups, Counties and indeed Provinces having poor representation. I would like to once again encourage all Groups to participate in National Council so that you can have an input into the important decisions that are made.
National Council 2010 will be hosted by the South East Province and 2011 will be hosted by the North Eastern Province.
22ND WORLD SCOUT jAMBOREE, KRISTIANSTAD, SWEDEN 27TH jULY - 7TH AUGUST 2011
John Lawlor was appointed Contingent Leader for the World Scout Jamboree. He is setting up a Contingent Team, Interviewing Troop Leaders and International Support Team. He is also working on the extensive Promotion of the Jamboree to all Scouts
WSj 2011 PLANNING TEAM
Christy McCann, Steven Oakes and Stephanie McCann have been appointed to the Planning Team for the World Scout Jamboree.
WORLD SCOUT MOOT KENYA 2010
Garett Flynn was appointed Contingent Leader for the World Scout Moot.
jOTA/jOTI PROMOTION .
There were two radio stations in Kerry, two in Galway and one in Wicklow for the duration of Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)
2010
• I will be reviewing how we deal with camping abroad so Scouters can acquire an International Badge.
• I will also be putting in place further promotion of the Scouts of the World Award.
COMMUNICATIONS REPORTjOE BOLAND
I was appointed to the role of Communications Commissioner at the end of April 2009. My first order of business was to form a new Communications Team to assist me in implementing my development plan. We have worked tirelessly since then to improve the image of Scouting, raise our profile and improve effective communication throughout the Association.
With the help of the whole team I’ve already taken a number of steps in this direction.
INSIDE OUT
I have re-launched our Online newsletter “InSIde Out” which has proved a great success in providing information and giving Provinces, Counties and indeed Groups a resource where they can promote themselves. I have also provided digital cameras to all of the Professional Support Staff to assist in documenting activities and events to be included in our publications in the future.
SUPPORT
I have met with the Provincial Support Staff to discuss what they need to help promote Scouting within their Provinces’. This has helped me formulate a plan of action for local Scouting promotional materials and activities.
SCOUTING IRELAND CHAT FORUM AND WEBSITE
I have introduced a new and improved chat forum on www. scouts.ie which allows member to register themselves automatically due to its connection with the database. This forum has again proved to be a successful tool in helping Groups and individual members to discuss issues and share ideas and information. The link to the database ensures that only bona-fide members of Scouting Ireland will have access. This very same connection with the database will also be utilised when our new and very much improved official website is launched in 2010. A company has been selected and the contract for the work signed and work is in progress on the development of this new site with a view to launching it at National Council 2010.
PRINTED MAGAzINE
I’ve had a number of calls for a printed magazine to be produced and I’ve taken the first steps to see this happen. My plan for 2010 is to launch a new print magazine on a quarterly basis which will be mailed to all registered Scouters, this will be supplemented by the continued production and distribution of the Management Bulletin and InSIde Out, our monthly online magazine.
I am constantly working to increase the awareness of Scouting Ireland and improve our image with the media and the public.
“ this will benefit our members, and show that Scouting Ireland can provide leadership during times of crisis”
- Michael Devins, National Secretary
Buitlear (who has stepped into every breach in this entire process) formed an Implementation Working Group. Together they planned with the approval of the NYPC and NMC, the complete roll out – Nationally, Provincially, County and Group. Their practical and hands on approach of Group Transition Training will commence in October 2009 at National Level by training over fifty transition trainers, with all Provincial training days planned for January 2010. Counties Briefings will follow from February 2010 and Group Transition Training from April 2010 when the books become available. Practical Resources around the changeover have been designed to assist Scouting Ireland with the changeover.
The opportunity to ‘demystify’ the Symbolic Framework brought another challenge to Maeliosa De Buitlear and many contributors around the country. This work ensured that the richness and heritage within Scouting has been recorded for posterity.
Communicating all of this excellent progress fell on the shoulders of Jamie Gorman. Each month he has ensured that through Inside Out and our programme website ww.oneprogramme.scouts.ie the information is factual, interesting, current and relevant.
Work continues in a number of areas, developing and supporting and programme opportunities with our programme centres, hands on practical tool to assist Groups with the Quality award and the complete review of the programme opportunities contained in our policy and guidelines.
Discussions with the Outdoor Adventure Store around the area of supply will continue up to the end of 2009. With the time period of the roll out as agreed by National Council this brings a serious commercial challenge to our shop. Dermot McMullan and his team though are working hard to meet this task.
Managing all of these teams, meeting deadlines and dealing with all of the volunteer teams, a myriad of external people – illustrators, graphic designers, production houses, doing layouts and all of the six million things in between is where the support of the professional staff really comes to the fore. Colm Kavanagh, Karol Quinn, Gillian Keogh and Canice Curtis have worked tirelessly on One Programme. When all this is over they will so look forward to getting back Wednesday evenings. Canice has made a decision to move on in his professional life and we wish him every success - we will
be joined shortly by Brendan Lynch who will replace him. Brendan will bring a wealth of Scouting and professional experience to the team – he was also part of a pilot Group so will be able to contribute from both sides. When nearly a thousand people have been involved in the preparation for One Programme it really is an impossible task to single out to thank everyone – particularly if I forget someone! I have mentioned here the leaders in each of the teams – all of the teams worked hard and very well together. The endless hours, meetings, miles travelled, thoughts, ideas, debates, discussions all of this has ensured the best possible Programme will be launched at National Council 2010.
NATIONAL EvENTS – IAN DAvY
In the fifth year of the National Events Team operating collectively in all sections on behalf of the NYPC, participation has gone from strength to strength. 2009 saw approximately 14,250 youth members participate in 26 events. This figure also includes 6,650 youth members who participated in the Locally Organised National Event [LONE] initiatives (National Sunrise Hike, National Trail Day and National Orienteering Day).
These 26 events were staffed and made possible by approximately 810 Adult Scouters, Venture Scouts and external instructors / service providers.
From time to time national events also rely on the assistance from other agencies and charities for suitable venues, such as the Department of Defence, the Zoos and Wildlife Parks, OPW, Coillte, Department of Education among many more. It must be noted however; with special thanks the generosity and kindness afforded to Scouting Ireland by the Columban
they have received through Scouting and thus understand the value of what they are passing on to younger members.
The Rover Team have been travelling all over Ireland since April, talking to potential and future Rover Scouts from within Scouting and from outside – there is a big appetite for a challenging programme for people aged 18-21.
The Rover Team will be here to support Scout Groups who have the vision to seize the opportunities that Rover Scouting offers. We believe we have developed a programme that will meet and exceed expectations – we now need Scout Groups and Scout Counties to make Rover Scouting a reality where it counts – in your local communities.
WATER ACTIvITIES & SEA SCOUTS –
STEPHEN TAYLOR
The Dublin Boat Show was held at the RDS from 18 to 22 February, With other organisations concerned with nautical training, the Sea Scout Stand was situated in the Irish Sailing Association area. Our exhibition showed a good cross section of activities - canoeing, rowing, dinghy and day-boat sailing, coastal and offshore cruising, as well as camping, hiking and mountain walking. We are very grateful to Pat Hollingsworth,
who kindly arranged a large plasma screen to show slides and videos. The stand was manned by a rota of Scouters and senior Scouts from different Groups.
The National Water Activity Centre, Killaloe, added another activity to its programme during the year with the addition of a 4 oared East Coast skiff to its fleet, kindly donated by a Dublin Sea Scout Group. This boat will be very useful to the Sea Scout SIG (Special Interest Group), based in Killaloe, as well as to visiting Scouts who would like to try their hand in a four-oared craft.
In March, four Scouting Ireland Sailing and Powerboat Instructors attended the ISA Instructors Seminar in the Burlington Hotel. The ISA unveiled its new Sailing Scheme, including the addition of “adventure sailing” categories for the first time. This idea had been discussed with Scouting Ireland instructors at a course in West Cork a year earlier.
The re-vamped ISA Sailing Scheme will be very beneficial to Scouting, giving young people who are not interested in racing, the chance to get ISA certification up to instructor grades.
The Seminar in the Burlington also led to an unexpected adventure. Ocean Youth Trust (Northern Ireland) representatives approached the Sea Scout representatives on Saturday with a request. Their training vessel, “Lord Rank”, was due to start a 5 day cruise on Monday, but problems had arisen with availability of trainees for the crew – could the Sea Scouts help, and get a crew to Bangor by 11.00 am on Monday? Not an easy task to organise on a Saturday evening, However, 9 Sea Scouts in Transition Year, from Rosses Point, Dollymount and Dun Laoghaire, joined the “Lord Rank” on the dot of 11am on Monday, and had an amazing 5 days of sailing, visiting the Scottish island of Islay, being “buzzed” by 2 low flying jets, and being stopped by a Customs patrol!
Sea Scouting and Water Activities personnel were involved, in conjunction with European Scouting representatives in the shore-based activities related to the Volvo Ocean Race festivities in Galway in June.
To coincide with the arrival of the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge in Belfast in August a special “Small Ships Race” was organised from Greenock on the Clyde to Belfast. Three yachts crewed by Sea Scouts and Scouters, sailed from Dun Laoghaire to the Clyde, and took part in the race and the festivities. With some crew changes in Greenock and in Belfast, 22 Scouts and 8 Scouters took part in at least one leg of the cruise/race.
The Scout Association, celebrated the Centenary of the start of Sea Scouting in 1909 with a centenary Jamboree at the National Water Activities Centre, Holme Pierpoint. Irish Sea Scouts were represented by 15th Port of Dublin (Donabate).
We are sad to record the death of a very good friend of Scouting, Ernie Lawrence, who died in August, in France where he and his wife had gone to retire a couple of years ago. Ernie, a former President of the Irish Canoe Union, had been pivotal in the establishment of a canoe training system in Scouting many years earlier, a scheme which led to the publication of the first Scout Canoe Logbook, and subsequently to the “Blue Book” - the combined SAI, CBSI, IGG and CGI canoe training programme. He had also set up a factory to manufacture fiberglass canoes. He designed the “Sprite” kayak and this made its first public appearance on the Sea Scout stand at the boat Show of that year, and became the standard canoe used in Scouting for many years.
The Dublin Sea Scout Regatta was held in Dun Laoghaire early in September, and this year had probably the largest participation and attendance ever. Estimates of participants, organising staff, parents and friends was 300 – 400. The Dun Laoghaire Group Committee sold ice cream and burgers and raised €638 for the RNLI.
The Junior Seamanship competition for the Hamill Cup was held in Howth, and the local Troop, 7th Port, won the trophy. The Senior Seamanship competition for the Fry Cup was held in Dun Laoghaire, and was won by 9th Port, Malahide. The long distance skiff race across Dublin Bay was won by 5th Port, Dollymount.
The Scout Liffey Canoe Race was held on 27 September. There was a very good turnout of entries, and the overall trophy was won by 32nd Limerick (St.Pauls).
The Capt. Desmond Fortune Trophy, presented by the Irish Association of Master Mariners, was held in Howth Sea Scout den, and was won by Briony Cameron of 8th Port, Dun Laoghaire. Briony’s prize will be a week’s cruise in a sail training vessel.
The very popular Malahide Triathlon, run by 9th Port Malahide was held on Sunday 4th October. Teams of 3 compete in different age Groups. The first team member swims 80 meters, the second canoes 500 meters and the third runs 500 meters.
Scouting Ireland Sea Training, based at Dun Laoghaire Sea Scout Den, is an ISA recognised Training Centre. Six powerboat courses were run during the year. Coastal navigation courses are held every year from September to March.
Scouting Ireland has 30 campsites spread throughout Ireland. Four of these, Larch Hill Scout Centre, Killaloe Water Activity Centre, Mount Mellaray Scout Centre and Lough Dan Scout Centre are directly owned by the Scouting Ireland, and are managed by a team of volunteers under the direction of a volunteer Camp Chief who is appointed by the National Management Team.
The remainder of the campsites/centers, 26 in total, are owned/leased either by individual Scout Counties or Scout Groups, and managed by volunteers appointed by the Scout
Province/County/ Group.
All in all it has been a good year and developments and improvements continued to be made at all campsites. A total of €30,500 was given by the Association by way of grants to 16 campsites to support them in capital projects that they had undertaken. The purpose of the grants is to continue to improve the facilities available at our campsites for the benefit of our members who visit them. All campsites reported an increase in usage during the year, which is a welcome trend that will continue in the coming year.
The Castle Saunderson project continues on course. At time of writing this report an independent panel is assessing tender submissions from three bidders for the development contract. It is expected that the contract will be awarded early in the New Year, with construction commencing immediately following the contract award. If everything goes to plan I anticipate that I will be reporting on the opening of the new centre in the next annual report.
I would encourage all our Scout Groups whenever possible to avail of our Scout campsites/centers. The campsites/centers depend on income generated at the campsites to continue to maintain and improve these valuable Scouting venues.
CAMPSITES – SMALL GRANTS SCHEME
The following small grants were approved and paid in 2009:
Rosses Point
€2,500
Shower/Wet Room facilities and perimeter fencing
Ruan Scout Centre
Painting toilet block interior
Glenshelane
Shower block and kitchen improvements
Fota Island Scout Centre
Portacabin shower block unit
Collon Scout Centre
Fit out of new log cabin
Mount Melleray
Installation of showers
Kilcully Scout Centre
Replacement of gas boiler
Lough Keel Scout Centre
Refurbishment and upgrade works
Inistigoe Campsite
New entrance gate and paint toilet block
Lough Dan Scout Centre
€1,200
€1,000
€2,500
€2,000
€2,500
€2,300
€1,500
€2,500
€1,500
Fencing of storage area, Eco Hut and security lights
TOTAL
€19,500
The following grants were approved in 2009 but payment was postponed until 2010 due to financial constraints:
3rd Monaghan Campsite
€1,500
Development of orienteering and nature trails
Clara Scout Centre
Fitting out new toilets
Glendale Lodge
Replacement of decking
Srahan Scout Centre
€1,000
€1,500
€2,500
New boilers, outside lights, internal wiring, showers
Piercestown
Campsite development
Bog o’ the Ring
Construction of campfire circle
TOTAL
€2,500
€2,000
€11,000
I am particularly proud that this small grants fund was established during my tenure as I have found that these small amount of funding go a long way on local County and Group campsites.
AND FINALLY
Other commitments….
As well as commitments arising from involvement in the National Youth Programme Committee, I attended meetings of, and contributed to the work of, the following Committees during the year:
• National Team for Policy Implementation & Coordination (NTPIC)
• Child Protection Management Team (CPMT)
• Awards Committee (a pleasure to deal with and a great honour to be a member of)
And so, as I have said at the end of each Annual Report….
“In a changing society, as soon as we stop changing, we start to go backwards.”
Thank you for the privilege of serving you as Chief Commissioner (Youth Programme) for nearly six years.
Report of the Chief Commissioner (Adult Resources)
ADULT RESOURCES
The National Adult Resources Committee has been reorganised to ensure it supports the needs of the Adults within Scouting Ireland. It will cover the following areas.
• Awards
• Conflict Management
• Recruitment
• Publications
• Special Needs
• Training
• Special Projects
• Diversity
• SQS
AWARDS
There has been a fundamental review of the award scheme following extensive consultation with interested parties. The outcomes will be published in January 2010
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
This will be managed in the Provinces by the NARC representative and a small group of advisors whose function is to resolve conflict at local level quickly. The NARC now will provide a service to the adults in a number of areas. I have dealt with a significant amount of disputes, that could have and should have been dealt with at local level. I would encourage you to try and deal with these disputes locally; your PSO will be able to advise and support you with this.
SQS
A review of SQS has taken place. The outcomes will be discussed further with the Provincial Management Support Teams throughout the country to ensure that it is fit for purpose. This will be launched at the Group Leader Commissioner conference in October 2010.
GROUP LEADER / COMMISSIONER CONFERENCE
The first of a trilogy of conferences has taken place, and has been a great success. I would like to build on this success by encouraging all Group Leaders and County Commissioners to attend this conference. The thrust of these conferences is to equip County Commissioners and Group Leaders with the skills to run their counties and Groups in a more effective and efficient manner.
DIvERSITY
We are encouraged by the NYCI document on diversity and look forward to working with them and integrating these concepts into Scouting Ireland.
TRAINING
It continues to be a source of disappointment that we have not yet received FETAC approval for the Woodbadge Scheme. All the work by ourselves and our advisors has been completed since early 2008 and at this time I have been advised that it is under review with FETAC.
LARCH HILL REUNION
The Larch Hill Reunion has become a firm fixture in the Scouting Calendar. This is an opportunity for our adults to have a Child free weekend, to meet with old friends and maybe learn a few new skills, to discover talents they never knew they had and to enjoy themselves in a Scouting setting.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Since the conference in Croke Park a small group of Scouters have worked on developing a support pack for Scouters who work alongside children with special needs. This group all FETAC qualified have drawn on best practice from Australia, Canada , America and the UK. The programme will be launched on Founders Day 2010.
THE FUTURE
We’ve come a long way in five years but have some distance to go before we can say we are Scouting Ireland. We carry within SI great traditions and great achievements but the focus for us adults must be to capitalise on these achievements and traditions so that we bring to young people
every possible opportunity to immerse themselves in the SPICES and become the future generation of leaders and civic minded citizens as a result. I close by using a saying I once heard a great Scouter say “nothing will ever be accomplished if all objections must be first be overcome”.
TRAINING COMMISSIONER FIONA MCCANN
My term as Training Commissioner started in October 2008 as a temporary position until National Council 2009 and I was delighted to be appointed again in April to complete a 3 year term. This is probably one of the most exciting times to be at the helm of training with the advent of the One Programme starting in April 2010 and a role which I relish.
REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
As each of the Provincial reports shows, training has reached new heights in 2008/09 with record numbers of Scouters attending training experiences all over the country.
The key players in managing training in each of the Provinces are the Provincial Training Coordinators who work tirelessly to ensure training is being delivered in their Province. Enda Downey who stepped down recently has been progressing training in the Southern Province for the last number of years, I wish Enda all the best in his future Scouting endeavours.
TRAINING FOR TRAINERS
Autumn 2008 saw another ‘Training for Trainers’ course being delivered with a great crew of Scouters attending this course, they showed their true potential in developing their training skills – with another 22 Scouters taking up the training mantle and I’m delighted to say most are actively working in their Provinces.
This year, a group of trainers reviewed the ‘Training for Trainers’ course content and have designed a new, more intensive course, over 2 weekends which will be piloted in the autumn of 2009.
TRAINERS CONFERENCE
The start of 2009 was the time for the Trainers Conference which was held in the Crowne Plaza hotel in Dundalk. The theme of the conference was ‘Doing it … Better!’. We had very good attendance with about 55 trainers from all Provinces. The conference was opened by the North Eastern Provincial Commissioner Jimmy Cunningham. The Chief Scout Michael John Shinnick said a few words which served to enthuse and motivate trainers to take the ‘train’ and deliver the message. The keynote speaker was Pat Kennelly, Operations Director Instant Upright Ltd, whose presentation was around ‘Innovation – An Industry Perspective’ and who spoke about the rate of change and what are the motivations and barriers to innovation. There were some breakout sessions during Saturday and overall the conference looked at pushing trainers to become the innovators and the ones facilitating the change. A tremendous opportunity presents itself over the next year and trainers should be ready to grab it with both hands.
ONE PROGRAMME – TRANSITION TRAINING
During 2009 a team of trainers from every Province volunteered to deliver transition training. The transition training methodology and programme has undergone many reviews and the final version has now been tried, tested and approved.
WOODBADGE REvIEW
Nationally the Training Team undertook to complete a full review of the Woodbadge scheme to ensure it meets the needs of adult volunteers in Scouting Ireland moving forward with One Programme and the changing times we live in. This work was started during the year and the team look forward to the launch of the new scheme early in 2010. The key focus of the review was ensure the best possible content and methods are applied to ensure good training experiences for all adults in Scouting Ireland.
CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING
Another success story of training over the last few years is the roll out of the Child Protection Awareness Training in conjunction with the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) and I wish to congratulate all the child protection awareness trainers in Scouting Ireland on all the work they have done and again on the on-going delivery of this very successful module. The NYCI has commenced the assessment and accreditation of Child Protection Awareness Trainers in Scouting Ireland which we welcome.
OBjECTIvES FOR 2010
The key objectives for 2010 are in line with the Scouting Ireland Strategy – ‘Laying the trail to 2012’ document and will cover :
1. Roll out of the transition training for One Programme
2. Update trainers on the new Woodbadge Scheme
3. Launch the new Woodbadge Training Scheme
4. Deliver practical Scout skills within the Woodbadge Scheme and facilitate a best practice approach to providing skills workshops locally
5. Identify areas of learning outside the Woodbadge Scheme and support/resource these opportunities.
I look forward to an exciting and productive 2010.
John Brennan Chief Commissioner (Adult Resources)
“We’ve come a long way in five years but have some distance to go before we can say we are Scouting Ireland.”
- John Brennan, Chief Commissioner (Adult Resources)
Report of the National Treasurer
All in all, the financial health of Scouting Ireland is still relatively good but worsening but not to the extent expected. We had forecast that the government grant would fall significantly in 2009/10 but it appears that the fall will not be as high as we expected. The biggest issue for Scouting Ireland in the current environment is the management of cash flow with cash flow becoming difficult in the September through December time frame. This situation will continue and the incoming National Treasurer will have a challenge ensuring that the Association does not end up with cash difficulties. SI is in a good position as there were no borrowings at the end of September and a positive cash position after borrowing money from the retail operation in November.
The 2008/9 year is another where the budgets approved were not spent by all areas and income was higher than originally forecast. This is both good and bad for Scouting Ireland. We are living within our means but are not maximising what we can give to our members. This is, of course, a better position to be in than one where we are spending too much as we do not have to reduce the services we provide for our members or to lay off staff.
INCOME AND ExPENDITURE
We had prepared a break-even budget for the year, forecasting that Scouting Ireland would not have a surplus but this was not the outcome. We unfortunately had a surplus of €158,477. The key contributors were the increase in income from government grants resulting in a grant income €1,157,691 down from €1,222,304 for the nine months in 2008 and our membership fees growing to €1,434,155 from the twelve month equivalent of €1,400,773 in 2008 (€1,050,580 for the nine month period). Our expenditure across a number of headings was lower than budgeted. One significant matter is that staff costs were maintained at approximately the same level, moving from €123K per month in 2008 to €129K per month in 2008/9. In 2009 the FAS Community Employment Schemes moved from Scout Campsites Management Limited to Scouting Ireland as a precursor to the close down of the campsites company.
SPENDING
Each year I am asked for a breakdown of the membership fee and an indication of where it is spent. As the membership fee is not allocated to specific costs, this is not possible. In other words it is not possible to say that x euro of the membership fee goes on insurance or on salaries, etc. What is possible is a breakdown of where all of the income of Scouting Ireland is spent and an analysis of what that total income was spent on. The following table provides the available information.
CASH FLOW
Our cash flow was weak with a capital expenditure of €43,000 and cash consumed in operations of €208,000. This is not causing significant problems currently as we have very little borrowings with financial institutions. Care is required as Scouting Ireland’s costs are increasing and will need to be managed particularly in light of potential cuts in funding over the next couple of years.
FINALLY
This is my last report as National Treasurer. I am happy to leave the role as Treasurer with Scouting Ireland in a better financial position than it was when it was formed and wish my successor well in an environment that all need to recognise as one which will be more difficult than the one I had the honour to serve in as National Treasure of Scouting Ireland.
Niall Walsh National Treasurer
“The biggest issue for Scouting Ireland in the current environment is the management of cash flow ”
- Niall Walsh, National Treasurer
Report of the National Spiritual, Religious, Advisory Panel
MEMBERS OF PANEL
Church of Ireland representative: Rev. Gillian Wharton –Chairperson
Methodist Representative: Vacant
Presbyterian Representative: Rev. Mary Hunter –Secretary
Roman Catholic Representative: Fr. David Kenneally Society of Friends Representative: Pat ÓSúilleabháin –Programme
Other attendees at NSRAP meetings: Brian Meyer, Karol Quinn (Staff).
MEMBERSHIP OF PANEL
Sadly, in March 2009, The Rev. Vanessa Wyse-Jackson, the Methodist Church Representative, had to retire from the Panel on health grounds. A replacement representative has been requested from the Methodist Church.
The Relationship between Scouting Ireland the National Spiritual and Religious Advisory Panel and the Role of the NSRAP
The Panel has been concerned since its inception in 2004, as to how it can best serve Scouting Ireland. Some of the NSRAP members have had little or no Scouting experience, whilst others have had extensive Scouting experience. When originally asked to serve on the Panel, it was assumed that as it was entitled an “advisory panel”, that its role was to advise
when matters were referred to the Panel. The understanding was that spirituality would continue to be an integral part of Scouting Ireland as it had been in its constituent Associations, but that it would need to be done in a more inclusive and creative way than it was possibly done prior to the formation of Scouting Ireland, and that NSRAP would be called on to advise on such matters. It was further thought that the members of NSRAP would from time to time, be called on to serve on a particular committee, in order to assist and to advise.
There seem to be differing views as to what the role of The National Spiritual and Religious Panel is and should be, and NSRAP met with NTPIC in June to discuss same:
From that meeting it emerged that there needs to be:
• A clear description about what NSRAP understands its role to be
• A clear description of what Scouting Ireland understands the role of NSRAP to be
KEY SPIRITUAL/RELIGIOUS ISSUES FOR SCOUTING IRELAND
NSRAP feels that the key issues in the area of spirituality and religion for Scouting Ireland are:
• How to make Scouting Ireland more inclusive in its practice and outworking at all levels
• To find a way forward which develops the spiritual needs of today’s youth
• To continue to struggle with the religious observance issues.
SPIRITUALITY
The members of the National Spiritual and Religious Advisory Panel are clearly of the opinion and united in their belief that the development of young people’s spiritual life is of fundamental importance to the future of Scouting Ireland. This is distinct from religious observance but closely linked. Spirituality is the fostering of ethical and moral principles and life philosophies, which enable the Scouts, of all ages to grow and mature into responsible, caring young people and adults. It is integral to every aspect of the Scouting Ireland programme at every level and in every activity.
RELIGIOUS OBSERvANCE
• The importance of religious observance is recognised by NSRAP. However since different religions and Christian denominations have different requirements regarding religious observance NSRAP cannot speak with one voice on this subject.
• We are each concerned that Scouting Ireland does not always build into its weekend programmes an element of religious observance, which is both achievable and accessible, e.g. a full weekend programme which includes the times of local church services but arranges other activities at the same time is simply paying lip service to religious observance. Similarly a full weekend programme which sets aside say an hour for religious observance without considering if this is feasible for local churches and clergy is equally inadequate.
• NSRAP recognises the difficulty of enabling religious observances in a multi-cultural and multidenominational setting and urges Scouting Ireland to seek ways of moving forward inclusively.
• NSRAP would ask Scouting Ireland to explore ways in which Scouting activities might be seen to be integral to local communities through involvement with the local churches.
SPIRITUAL DEvELOPMENT/RELIGIOUS OBSERvANCE
NSRAP would encourage Scouting Ireland to work inclusively for the spiritual development of young people where it is possible. When religious observance becomes an issue NSRAP recommends a courteous agreement to differ.
The danger that NSRAP sees emerging is a failure to develop the spiritual dimension because of the difficulties surrounding religious observance and we believe this to be detrimental to the principles of Scouting Ireland.
As with so much of the Scouting Ireland programme spirituality and religious observance are best modelled by Scouters. If best practice is modelled from the top down gradually the principles of both spiritual development and religious observance will infuse the whole organisation.
NTPIC
In an Association where respect is earned and positions of responsibility such as the National Officers, are decided by the members, NSRAP is concerned that its Chairperson is the only member of the National Team who is not elected to the Team, but is there by virtue of being the Chairperson of NSRAP. There is concern that this gives rise to a question of credibility. There is also concern as to how the time given by the members of NSRAP to Scouting Ireland can best serve the Association, and at the same time, being more integrated into the Association.
Gillian Wharton Chairperson, National Spiritual and Religious Advisory Panel
“The members of NSRAP are clearly of the opinion and united in their belief that the development of young people’s spiritual life is of fundamental importance to the future of Scouting Ireland’”
- Gillian Wharton, Chairperson, National Spiritual Religious Advisory Panel
Report from the North Eastern Province
PROGRAMME
Keeping up the momentum from Jamboree 2008 became the focus for the Province from the autumn of 2008. Indeed this momentum led the Province to renewing our Provincial Development Plan for the next three years. Every Scout County and Team within the Province came together to develop the plan and continue our promise of delivering Better Scouting to more Young People. The plan was launched by the Chief Scout in June 2009 at our Provincial Meeting in Navan. We also hosted a conference for the Group Leaders within the Province in February which was well attended and hugely positive.
The North Eastern Province has 7 Scout Counties with 74 Scout Groups and a current youth membership of 6164, supported by an adult membership of 1336.
TRAINING
The numbers of participants on Training courses is ever increasing with 967 Scouters having taken part in a training experience during this year. The breakdown of that figure is as follows:
In the run up to the agreement of the development plan, the Province continued with its work by running a series of Programme Workshops in Carrickmacross, Brackenstown, Mullingar and Navan. These workshops were very well received and are something the Province will endeavour to continue to deliver into the future. Last year also saw the Province running 3 programme events, the Provincial Beaver Scout Day, a Scout Night Activity and the first Provincial Youth Forum.
PROvINCIAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TEAM
Provincial Treasurer – Vincent Stanley
Provincial Secretary – James O’Toole
Provincial Training Coordinator – Declan McCann
Provincial Programme Coordinator – Allan Mathews & Brian Murtagh
County Commissioners: Áth Cliath 15 Scout County - David Ashe
Fingal Scout County - David Smith
Gleann na Boinne Scout County - Greg Boyd
Cavan Monaghan Scout County - Seamus O’Reilly
Lakelands Scout County - Brendan Martin
Louth Scout County - Yvonne Lawrence
Réachra Scout County - James O’Toole
All together I am very proud of the spirit and approach of the Provincial Management Support Team to deliver on our plan and keep the wheels of local Scouting ever moving.
*In addition to the 20 Scouters who took part in the Venture Scout Workshops course, we also had an additional 42 youth participants who made the event a very memorable one. The course was a Provincial initiative that was intended to kick start the Scouting year for Venture Scout Units within the Province which certainly proved successful and is an initiative we intend to repeat.
DEvELOPMENT
Initiatives and record numbers through training all lead to increased quality of Scouting and numbers of Scouts.
The 2009 census showed a 6.14% increase in youth membership and an 7.39% increase in adult membership over 2008 in the North Eastern Scout Province. The Province also welcomed 3rd Cavan (Virginia), 9th Louth (Ardee) and 3rd Westmeath (Delvin) as newly opened Groups during the year.
Throughout the Province we continue to develop our campsite infrastructure. One of the biggest of these projects should come on stream next year when Castle Saunderson will open its doors to Scouts, not alone from our Province and Country, but from all over the World. This will be a great day for Scouting Ireland and the North Eastern Province. Other Campsites in the Province are continually developing and are been well managed locally by local Groups or Counties. Portlick, Drogheda campsite, Carrickmacross campsite at Dun a Ri again have seen further development in the last 12 months and with Ballybay and other new sites coming on stream the Province is lucky with the high class camping facilities available to our members.
PROvINCIAL CONGRATULATIONS ARE OFFERED TO;
Chief Scouts Awards:
• Karen Grimes - 2nd Dublin, 16th Port of Dublin, Skerries
• Emma O’Hanrahan - 2nd Dublin, 16th Port of Dublin, Skerries
Explorer Belt Awards
• Matthew Flood - 1st Meath, Navan
• Cian O’Mahony - 1st Meath, Navan
• Sean McKiernan - 120th Dublin, Portmarnock
• Tomas Bell - 120th Dublin, Portmarnock
• Cian Dillon - 120th Dublin, Portmarnock
• Brian Higgins - 120th Dublin, Portmarnock
• Michael J. Lawlor
• Sean Fahey - 179th Dublin, Huntstown
Order of Cu Chulainn
• Kevin Rowan - 15th Dublin, 9th Port of Dublin, Malahide
We would also like to congratulate the members of 12th Dublin,5th Port of Dublin, Dollymount Sea Scout Group that officially re-opened their Scout Den ‘The Crows Nest’, following a multi-million euro development.
FINALLY
I look forward to the new year and the challenges that implementing the One Programme presents within the Province. We are working hard to make this as smooth a transition as possible for all of our Groups and Scout Counties. I note with a smile that you can’t spell ‘ONE’ without ‘NE’ and that the ‘North Eastern’ is ready to be at the heart of this great project!
Jimmy Cunningham Provincial Commissioner, North Eastern Province
“I look forward to the new year and the challenges that implementing the One Programme presents within the Province.”
- Jimmy Cunningham, Provincial Commissioner, North Eastern Province
Report from the South East Province
As I write my final report as Provincial Commissioner for the South East Scout Province, let me start by commending everyone who has supported me in my tenure as Provincial Commissioner, and contributed to the development of Scouting in the Province during this time.
The South East Scout Province consists of seven Scout Counties; Cill Dara, Carlow/Kilkenny, Slieve Bloom, Waterford, South Kildare, Wexford and Cill Mhaintain. There are 96 Groups with 320 active programme Sections.
At the end of September 2009 it is estimated that was 7,100 Youth Members and 1,400 Adult Members in the Province. Presented below is an analysis by Scout County and secondly by Programme Section of estimated (E) membership numbers at September 2009 compared to January 2008.
Youth Membership by Scout County
The Goal of the Province as set out in its’ Development Plan is to, through its Scout Counties, achieve the aim of Scouting Ireland, therefore offering the highest possible standard of Scouting to the maximum sustainable number of young people across the Scout Province.
TRAINING
Presented below is an analysis of the training undertaken in the Province during 2008/2009. Participation in training courses is ever increasing and with 1,039 participants in the year attending a training experience on one of 47 courses, this is something that the South East Province is very proud of.
Youth Membership by Section
PROGRAMME
2008/2009 was a busy year programme wise due in no small part to the efforts of Provincial and County Programme Teams in running numerous events across the Province and in providing much needed programme support to Groups. Some of the highlights of the year included:
• 6 Venture Scouts from the 5th Kildare Clane did the Province proud at Roverway 2009 in Iceland. They were Liam Nielsen, Stephen Reynolds, Jane Carey, Rebecca Egan, Colin Lowry and Anita Regucka-Kwasnik.
• The Provincial Scout and Venture Scout Youth Fora held in Mount Melleray, this significantly improved representation of the Province at the National Youth Fora held in Larch Hill
• The Provincial Sea Scout/Water Activities Weekend in Lough Dan
• Continuing involvement of several members from the Province in the development of the New Programme.
• Seven Troops represented the Province at the Phoenix. An excellent performance was put in by all with 3rd/7th/13th De La Salle (Gold and 1st), 17th/20th/30th St.Pauls’ (Gold and 3rd),
Ferrybank (Silver and 9th), 6th Tipperary (Silver), 7th Laois (Silver), 4th Kildare (Silver), 9th Kildare (Silver) and 13th Kildare (Bronze).
• Venture Scout Challenge: 22 of the 44 Participants were from the Province with representation from the 1st Kildare, 1st/10th Kildare, 4th Kildare and the 3rd Offaly. All South East Venture Scouts earned the certificate, badge and woggle.
• Some 550 Youth and 150 Scouters from 28 Groups experienced foreign camps during the year. Places visited included France, Switzerland, Austria, England, Scotland, USA, Wales, Czech Republic, Belgium and Italy.
Chief Scouts Awards:
• Yann Donnelly - 1st Kilkenny
• Christopher Moriarty-Pearson – 1st Celbridge/3rd Kildare
• Conor Stewart – 6th Kilkenny
• Cian O’Hogartaigh - 3rd/7th/13th De La Salle, Waterford
Explorer Belt Awards
• Anna Louise Duggan – 1st/10th Kildare
• Shelagh Letford – 1st/10th Kildare
• Seamus Murphy – 5th Carlow Town
• Ari Downey – 8th Waterford
• Ben Harte – 8th Waterford
PROvINCIAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TEAM
Provincial Treasurer – Brendan Doherty
Provincial Secretary – Caroline Healy
Provincial Training Coordinator – Ollie Kehoe
Provincial Programme Coordinator – David Clerkin
Provincial Adult Resources Committee Representative – John Watmore
Provincial International Representative – Brian Gray
Provincial Scout Representative – Mark Bailey, Tara Fennelly and Claire Murphy
Provincial Venture Scout Representative – Mark Guinan
County Commissioners:
Cill Dara Scout County – Martine Phelan
Slieve Bloom Scout County - James Marks
Wexford Scout County – David McCann
South Kildare Scout County – Declan Hendrick
Cill Mhaintain Scout County – Majella Myler
Carlow-Kilkenny Scout County – John Watmore
Waterford Scout County – Brian Fanning
DEvELOPMENT
The Province has experienced a growth rate in youth membership averaging 10.33% p.a over the last 3 years. This growth has been experienced across the Province with higher growth rates being experienced in the Scout and Venture Scout Sections.
On top of this much hard work has taken place to deliver the highest standard of Scouting across all our Scout Groups; strong and vibrant Scout Counties are key to the supporting of this part of the objective. The South East is fortunate to now have seven strong Scout Counties with seven excellent County Teams.
Development work has continued on the Provincial Campsite at Inistioge, Kilkenny.
Welcome back to the 15th Offaly, Cloghan who restarted with a Cub Pack and Scout Troop in 2009 after a five year break.
PROvINCIAL CONGRATULATIONS ARE OFFERED TO;
Order of Cu Chulainn
• Sean Power – 4th Kildare, Naas
• Annette Jennings – South Kildare Scout County
Well done to the 1st Kilkenny on the opening of their newly refurbished Scout Den.
Congratulations to Kevin Murphy of 5th Carlow on his election in March 2009 to the NMC as an Ordinary Member.
FINALLY
Finally, as we look back on an excellent 2009 let us remember the Scouters and family members from the Province that have gone to their eternal resting place. Our prayers and best wishes are with your families.
Francis Minogue, Provincial Commissioner, South East Province
“The South East is fortunate to now have seven strong Scout Counties with seven excellent County Teams.”
- Francis Minogue, Provincial Commissioner, South East Province
Report from the Southern Province
It is a pleasure for me to set out my Annual Report as Provincial Commissioner for the Southern Province.
The Scouting year 2008/2009 was another exciting one in the Southern Province. Scouting activities increased across the province during the year both at Group and County level.
The Southern Province consists of nine Scout Counties, broken into 95 Scout Groups. This translates into 5,554 Youth Members and 1,264 Scouters.
TRAINING
The Provincial Training Team hosted 19 courses this year providing a training experience to 384 adult members. The breakdown of that figure is as follows:
County Commissioners
Cois Laoi Scout County - Brendan Lynch (Term Ended September ’09)
Cois Laoi Scout County - Mary Waters (Appointed September ’09)
Cork South Scout County - Tony Nation
North Cork Scout County - Martin Flahive
West Cork Scout County - Christopher McSweeney
Kerry Scout County - Marian Hurley
Limerick Scout County - Bernie Brennan (Term Ended June ’09)
Limerick Scout County - Morgan O’Sullivan (Appointed June ’09)
Tipperary North Scout County - John Almer (Term Ended May ’09)
Tipperary North Scout County - John Ryan (Appointed May ’09)
Tipperary South (Cois Suire) Scout County - Sheila Power
Lee Valley Scout County - Lucy Kay
PROGRAMME
The 2009 Phoenix Challenge was coordinated by Cois Laoi Scout County and was based in Mt. Melleray. Well done to all on a great event.
PROvINCIAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TEAM:
Provincial Treasurer – Mary O’Regan
Provincial Secretary – Sheila McCarthy
Provincial Training Coordinator – Enda Downey
Provincial Programme Coordinator – Paudy O’Brien
Provincial Adult Resources Committee – Barry McInerney
The 2009 census showed a 3.87% increase in youth membership and an 8.12% increase in adult membership over 2008 in the Southern Province.
We welcome the following Groups & Sections into Scouting Ireland;
Cois Laoi
• Farranree - Beaver Scouts & Scouts
• Midleton & Glanmire (second pack) Cub Scouts
• Watergrasshill – Cub Scouts and Scouts
Cork South
• Passage West – Beaver Scouts
• Carrigaline – Venture Scouts & Rover Scouts
• Crosshaven Beaver Scouts – Re-opened
North Cork
• Kanturk – Scouts
• Mallow – Beaver Scouts & Scouts
West Cork
• Skibbereen – Cub Scouts
Kerry
• Milltown – Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scout Sections
• Derrynane – Beaver Scouts and Cub Scouts
Limerick
• Hospital – Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scout Sections
• Murroe Group Re-opened
• Rathkeale Group Re-opened
Tipperary North
• Thurles – Beaver Scouts & Cub Scouts
• Cashel – Scout Section
Lee Valley
• Ballincollig – (second) Scout Section
PROvINCIAL CONGRATULATIONS ARE OFFERED TO;
Chief Scouts Awards:
• Aoife Moroney - 1/4/22/32 Tipperary
• Kevin McGrath - 8/19 Cork
• Isobel Neenan - 74 Cork
• Mary Quigley - 74 Cork
• Máire Fitzgerald - 109 Cork
• Danielle O’Sullivan - 42 Limerick
• Sarah Coffey - 42 Limerick
• Margaret Tobin - 24 Tipperary
• Amy Mansell - 18/19 Fermoy
• Ciara Campion - 18/19 Fermoy
• Eolann Sheehan - 18/19 Fermoy
• Ruairi Nealon - 34 Limerick
• Rachel Walsh - 7th Tipperary
Explorer Belt Awards
• Orlaith Crowther – 55th Cork
• Emma Crowther – 55th Cork
• Evan Causer – 2nd Cork
• Andrew Shortt – 5th/10th Limerick
• Rory Burns – 38th/40th Cork
• Ian Falvey – 38th/40th Cork
• Brian O’Donnell – 7th Tipperary
• Kevin Fitzgerald – 7th Tipperary
• Conor Shemeld – 2nd Cork
• Robert O’Callaghan – 2nd Cork
• Barry Keane – 5th Cork
• Max Vizard – 109th Cork
Order of Cu Chulainn
• Bernadette Brennan, Limerick Scout County
• John O’Toole, 8th Kerry
• Maurice O’Sullivan, 3rd/12th Cork
FINALLY
I would encourage everyone involved to keep up the Scouting Spirit and to continue providing Scouting to our Youth Members.
Pat Roche Provincial Commissioner, Southern Province
“The Committees in the various Campsites are doing a great job and are to be congratulated.”
- Patrick Roche, Provincial Commissioner, Southern Province
Report from the Western Province
It is a pleasure for me to set out my final Annual Report as Provincial Commissioner for the Western Province.
The year 2008/2009 was another successful one following on and building on the success of Jamboree 2008.
The Western Province consists of five Scout Counties, broken into 43 Scout Groups. This translates into 3016 Youth Members and 740 Scouters.
TRAINING
The Provincial Training Team hosted 25 courses this year providing a training experience to 473 adult members. The breakdown of that figure is as follows:
PROvINCIAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TEAM
The PMST met 4 times and hosted a very successful Commissioner/Group Leader Convention, Provincial Activity Day & Youth Forum for Scouts & Venture Scouts.
Provincial Treasurer – Joe Doherty
Provincial Secretary – Annie Keith
Provincial Training Coordinator – Anne Geraghty
Provincial Programme Coordinator – Frank Lee
Provincial Adult Resources Committee Representative – John Egan
Provincial International Representative – Henry Doherty
Provincial Scout Representative – Simon Cauldfield-Sriklad
The Province presented all sections that participated in ‘annual summer camp’ with a Camping Certificate. 56 sections from 29 Groups held ‘annual camps’ this summer.
‘Jamóige’ was the best yet; that was the verdict of our Beaver Scouts & Cub Scouts who attend the sun drenched Dalgan Park for the June Bank Holiday. It was a long way from the disappointment of the weather at Punchestown. All our counties were represented at jamÓige.
COMMUNICATIONS
The Provincial magazine ‘The Western Scout’ was printed again this year and it continues to be a good method of communicating to the Groups in the Province.
DEvELOPMENT
The 2009 census showed a 3.9% increase in youth membership and an 7.2% increase in adult membership over 2008 in the Western Province.
We welcome the 3rd Leitrim, Carrick-on-Shannon as a new Group and 7 new sections. We have 3 new Groups coming on stream in 2009/2010.
PROvINCIAL CONGRATULATIONS ARE OFFERED TO;
Order of Cu Chulainn
• John O’Toole, 1st Galway
FINALLY
What we do makes a difference in our youth members lives and gives them memories that will last a lifetime.
Julie M. Malone, Provincial Commissioner, Western Province
“We do make a difference in our youth members lives and give them memories that will last a lifetime.”
- Julie Malone, Provincial Commissioner, Western Province
Report from the Dublin Scout Province
Local Scouting in the Dublin Province continues to develop, to change and to meet the challenges within local communities and society. The reports that follow cannot do justice to the enthusiasm and dedication that our adult volunteers demonstrate week in and week out as they go about their tasks of living and teaching the Scout Law and Promise amongst Groups in the Province.
The Dublin Scout Province consists of nine Scout Counties, broken into 84 Scout Groups. This translates into 5843 Youth Members and 1387 Scouters.
TRAINING
The Training Programme in the Dublin Scout Province continued at a great pace. During the period from October 2008 to the end of September 2009, 27 Leadership Training Courses were held within a number of Scout Dens in Dublin. 874 Leaders participated in Woodbadge Training. The breakdown of that figure is as follows:
Provincial Communications Representative – Patrick Costello
Provincial International Representative – Vacant
Provincial Scout Representative – Daniel Aughey
Provincial Venture Scout Representative – Anthony Greene
Provincial Scout Representative – Eoin Kearns (Retired April 2009)
Provincial Venture Scout Representative – Niamh Hughes (Retired April 2009)
County Commissioners:
Dun Laoghaire Scout County - Kieran Kelly
Cois Farriage Scout County - Mark Blake
Tolka Scout County - Betty Barry
Dublinia Scout County – Alan Carroll (Retired January 2009)
Dublinia Scout County - Pat McCartin
Cluain Toirc Scout County - Aidan Smith
Mountpelier Scout County - Anna Davy
Three Rock Scout County - James Carroll
Dodder Scout County - Karen Scully
Liffey West Scout County - Brian Smith
PROGRAMME
This year we carried out a survey on Summer Camp activity in the Province. 2395 Scouts plus 595 Scouters in the DSP spent 869 nights camping/hostelling/slumbering this summer. Note that this does not account for the additional weekend camps/ hostels/slumbers which also take place.
DEvELOPMENT
The 2009 census showed a 5.35% increase in youth membership and a 5.31% increase in adult membership over 2008 in the Dublin Scout Province. A new Group opened in Liffey West Scout County 182nd Dublin, Newcastle, with a Beaver and Cub Section in June 2009. In addition within existing Scout Groups, there are indicators of an increase in youth membership moving into next year with 280 Bring a Pal scarves applied for.
The following Groups opened additional sections:
• 18th Dub Santry Venture Scouts
• 130th Dub Priorswood Beaver Scouts
• 66th Dub Clontarf Venture scouts
• 127th Dub Drumcondra Venture Scouts
• 1st Dub Fairview Cub Pack (reopened)
• 94th Dub Walkinstown Rover Scouts
• 78th Dub Ballyfermot Cub Scouts and Sea Scouts
• 42nd Dub Dolphin’s Barn Scouts(closed Sept 09)
• 42nd Dub Dolphin’s Barn Cub Scouts
• 44th/93rd Dub Crumlin Venture Scouts
• 32nd Dub Rathgar Venture Scouts
• 115th Dub Ballinteer Scouts (2nd troop)
• 125th Dub Old Bawn Cub Scouts
PROvINCIAL CONGRATULATIONS ARE OFFERED TO;
Chief Scouts Awards:
• Anna Keville – 35th Dublin
• Caitriona Cronin – 35th Dublin
• Serena Salmon – 35th Dublin
• Shauna Russell – 35th Dublin
• Adam Webster – 158th Dublin
• Lydia Blake – 52nd Dublin
Explorer Belt Awards
• Anthony Greene – 94th Dublin
• Stephen Byrne – 94th Dublin
• Niamh Hughes – 158th Dublin
• Dzifa Hollwey – 54th Dublin
• Aoife Power – 54th Dublin
• Ben Collopy – 94th Dublin
• Robert Matthews – 137th Dublin
• Liam Brophy – 137th Dublin
Order of Cu Chulainn
• Sheila Duffy – 180th Dublin, Lucan
• Tony Roe, 137th Dublin, Balally
• Donal O’Hannigan, 191st Dublin, (Deaf Group)
• James Whelan, 94th Dublin, Walkinstown
• Niall Walsh, National Treasurer
At the City of Dublin Youth Services Board Volunteer Achievement Awards, nine Scouters were amongst the recipients and at the Dublin City Council Volunteer Awards many Scouters received Volunteer Pins and one Scouter became one of 10 custodians of the City.
FINALLY
We look forward to another exciting scout year and send you our best wishes.
Anne Smithers, Provincial Commissioner, Dublin Scout Province.
“We look forward to another exciting scout year”
- Anne Smithers, Provincial Commissioner, Dublin Scout Province
Report from the Northern Province
During the year 2008/2009 I completed my first full year as Provincial Commissioner and it was a busy year both for the Province and for me.
Without doubt, the highlight of the year for the Northern Province was hosting National Council in the Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle, County Down over the weekend of 28th & 29th March, 2009. A lot of hard work and planning went into making the weekend the great success that it was and the numbers attending National Council in Newcastle were the biggest ever recorded, making all the hard work worthwhile.
The Northern Province has 5 Scout Counties with 59 Scout Groups and a current youth membership of 3364, supported by an adult membership of 770.
TRAINING
During the year, the Province trained 593 Scouters. The following is a list of the courses that were coordinated.
The Province is getting ready for a Provincial camp in Gosford, County Armagh in May 2010. Final plans are falling into place and bookings are flooding in!
PROvINCIAL MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TEAM
Provincial Treasurer – Mandy McCann
Provincial Secretary – Mo Treacy
Provincial Training Coordinator – Kieran Copeland
Provincial Programme Coordinator – Grainne Boland
Provincial Adult Resources Committee Representative – Mark Allan
Provincial International Representative – vacant
Provincial Scout Representative – Sinead Murray
Provincial Venture Scout Representative – Stephen Pearson
Provincial Support Officer – Kevin Ferguson
Group Support Facilitator – James McGuinness
Group Support Facilitator – Sinclair Trotter
County Commissioners:
Brian Boru Scout County – Joe Corey
Dalriada Scout County - George Fleeton
Down & Connor Scout County - Jim McIlduff
Erne Scout County - Tony Smith
Errigal Scout County - John McQueen
COMMUNICATIONS
The Provincial magazine “Northern News” was compiled every two months and emailed out to all Scouters on the Provincial contact list. It continues to be a good method of communicating to the entire Province and the numbers of Groups who send in news and photos is growing all the time.
PROGRAMME
The Northern Province has taken a proactive role in support of the One Programme being launched at National Council 2010. The Provincial Programme Coordinator, Grainne Boland, has been busy all year running Provincial Programme Meetings to get the latest information on the launch of the new programme out to the Counties. Recently, the Northern Province successfully ran five, One Programme information evenings, which were all attended by large numbers of Scouters.
DEvELOPMENT
The 2009 census showed a 8.48% increase in youth membership and an 8.45% increase in adult membership over 2008 in the Northern Province.
The PMST have been targeting growth within the Province. Four new Groups have registered this year and the Province would like to welcome them into the Scouting Family;
9th Donegal (Newtowncunningham), Errigal Scout County 1/2/3/ Derry (St. Mary’s, Creggan), Errigal Scout County 6th Fermanagh (Irvingstown), Erne Scout County 14th Fermanagh (Derrylin), Erne Scout County
Another 5 potential areas are being targeted by the Support Staff and work has also started in promoting new section growth in existing Groups. To date 4 new sections have opened since September.
PROvINCIAL CONGRATULATIONS ARE OFFERED TO;
Chief Scouts Awards:
• Caroline Gilliland – 9th Donegal
• Eoghan Hepburn – 9th Donegal
• Brian Foley – 9th Donegal
• Adam Devenney – 3rd Donegal
Explorer Belt Awards
• Thomas O’Hagan - 12th Armagh
• John Foster - 1st Armagh
• David Lavery - 10th Antrim
• Eamonn McEvoy - 10th Antrim
Order of Cu Chulainn
• Marie Browne – 11th Belfast
We would also like to congratulate Liam Byrne, 1st /2nd Downpatrick, who received a MBE for services to Scouting this year
FINALLY
We look forward to another exciting scout year and send you our best wishes.
Wendy Morrow, Provincial Commissioner, Northern Province
“my first full year as Provincial Commissioner and it was a busy year both for me and for the Province”
2009 was a relatively uneventful year compared with the huge level of activities in the previous Centenary Year of Scouting. Nevertheless, some further good incremental progress was made in the continuing expansion and development of Scouting Ireland. The Association approved a new Strategy at National Council in March 2009 for the years 2009 to 2012. This Strategy contains seven key objectives to chart the progress of the Association in the coming years.
Progress continued on Castle Saunderson with the partnership with Cavan County Council proving to be very effective in securing funding of €3.052 million from the European Peace Three Programme managed by the Special EU programme body (SEUPB).
2009 also had an emphasis on growth utilising the ‘Bring a Pal’ and retention 101 recruitment initiatives.
There was also an enhanced professional staff support to the Provinces and this in conjunction with other initiatives has assisted in a 6.5% increase in the membership of the Association.
The Association database had a number of additional features inserted into it in order to make it more user friendly to Groups, Counties, Provincial Management teams and also the Professional Staff.
2009 also saw the retirement of two very long serving members of the staff, Bridie O’Sullivan who retired after 37 years of service and Sean Farrell who retired after 18 years of service. Two other members of the staff with considerably less length of service also resigned; Eithne Davis and Canice Curtis. All of the retiring members of staff were replaced after recruiting campaigns both external and internal.
On a more negative note Scouting Ireland received an 8% decrease in funding from the Youth Service Grant Scheme, however, some of this decrease will be partially offset by the increase in membership numbers.
SCOUTING IRELANDS STRATEGY DEvELOPMENT
A new Strategy for Scouting Ireland was adopted at National Council in March 2009. The Strategy was entitled ‘Laying the Trail to 2012’ and covers the years 2009 to 2012. This Strategy was compiled after considerable work by a Strategy Review Team under the Chairmanship of John Brennan, Chief Commissioner Adult Resources. The Strategy contains seven main objectives as follows: -
1. One Programme
2. Supporting Adult Volunteers
3. An Organisation for the 21st Century
4. Communication (Internal)
5. Funding and Resources
6. Membership Increase
7. Scoutings’ Profile (External)
The adoption and implementation of these strategies at all levels of the Association will be crucial to future development and if the progress that has been achieved to date is maintained, the outcomes for Scouting Ireland will indeed be very positive with an enhanced membership, an exciting and progressive new programme and a greater profile amongst the public in Ireland.
CASTLE SAUNDERSON
The securing of €3.025 million for the campsite project in Castle Saunderson in the midst of an economic recession both nationally and internationally was a significant coup for the Association and is a testament to the heightened profile and esteem that Scouting Ireland has generated since the advent of new Association in 2003. A number of meetings took place throughout 2008 and considerable administrative work was completed in order to secure contracts for the sale of land to Cavan County Council. These meetings also dealt with the purchase of Rights of Way and land from Coillte and the formulation of a steering Committee, between Cavan County Council, Scouting Ireland and the Northern Ireland Scout Council. This steering Committee is responsible for the supervision and cooperation and synergies for the construction and development of the Campsite on the remaining 34 acres of Castle Saunderson. At the time of writing this report, three bidding contractors have been shortlisted for the construction of the site and the appointment of a successful contractor is imminent. It is anticipated that the construction of the campsite will be completed by the autumn of 2010.
GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP FIGURES
The emphasis on growth as one of the targets of the new Strategy and initiatives such as ‘Bring a Pal’ and ‘Retention 101’ has yielded an increase of 6.5% in the Associations membership in 2009. The increase was mainly in youth members which increased by 1,759 members or 6%. The increase in adult members was 530 or 8%. The increase at 6% is double the increase in 2008 (3.4%) and is very encouraging. It is not inconceivable that the membership numbers, which are currently 37,636, will breach the 40,000 mark within the next 2 to 3 years. The provision of additional professional support staff managed by a dedicated Manager for Support Staff working solidly in conjunction the Provincial Management Support Teams has assisted greatly in growing the membership. Further details on the increase in membership are outlined in the chart attached to this report.
were completed during the year. These enhancements were designed to make the system more user-friendly, particularly at end user level at Group, County and Provincial level. The improved functionality has also been of benefit to staff, not alone in the National Office but also at Provincial level. The enhancements have centred on improving inputting, on vetting details, award details and start dates for adults in the Association. As the database is web based, this grants continuous access to the membership every day throughout the year and facilitates access to relevant information which supports better management and supply of information which hopefully can contribute to better organisation and management at all levels in the Association.
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
RETIREMENT OF LONG SERVING MEMBERS OF STAFF
Bridie O’Sullivan retired after 37 years of devoted service to the Association. Her contribution to the development of Scouting Ireland has been immense and it is very unlikely that her length of service and continuity in the Association will be
replicated by existing staff in the future. Sean Farrell also retired after 18 years as a professional staff member which was preceded by a lifetime as a volunteer in the Association. Sean’s devotion to Scouting has been exceptional and is exemplified by his return to Scouting at Group level as a Group Leader and also by his election to the National Management Committee of Scouting Ireland. Two other members of Scouting Ireland staff with shorter service retired also in 2009. Eithne Davis after one year’s service and Canice Curtis after three years service on the programme staff.
In early 2009, following advertisements to fill the vacancies of Administration Manager in National Office and Manager of Support Staff, two new managers were recruited; Noel O’Connor as Administration Manager in the National Office and Joe Marken as Manager Support Staff. In February, Kevin Ferguson was appointed as full time PSO in the Northern Province and in late September 2009, Brendan Lynch was appointed as Programme Support Officer in the programme unit in National Office.
FUNDING
The Association received a decrease of 8% in funding from the Youth Service Grant scheme, which is administered by the Youth Affairs Section of the office of the Minister of Children and Youth Affairs. This decrease, though not unexpected, will be ameliorated by the 6.5% increase in the membership of the Association. The current recession and the parlous state of Government finance plus the diminishing opportunities for funding from other sources, represents a very significant challenge to the Association in order to keep its finances on an even footing. The Association will need to secure additional funding from other resources and monitor expenditure for the foreseeable future. If the level of growth in membership can be maintained at the same level as this
““Overall, despite the looming economic recession, the Association is in good shape and is equipped and sufficiently robust to meet the challenges in the coming years””
- Eamonn Lynch, CEO,
SCOUTING IRELAND
MEMBERS OF NATIONAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Michael John Shinnick, Michael Devins, Kiernan Gildea, Niall Walsh, John Brennan, Gillian Wharton, Anne Smithers, Francis Minogue, Pat Roche, Wendy Morrow, Jimmy Cunningham, Julie Malone, Joseph Marken (Resigned, December 2008), Ann Foley (Appointed June 2009), Ciara Higgins, Noel O’Connor (Resigned, December 2008), Richard Scriven, Pat O’Connor, Jamie Gorman, Kevin Murphy (Elected March 2009), Sean Farrell (Elected March 2009) Joe Boland (Appointed April 2009).
NATIONAL TEAM FOR POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AND CO-ORDINATION
Michael John Shinnick, Chief Scout, Michael Devins, National Secretary, Niall Walsh, National Treasurer, Kiernan Gildea, Chief Commissioner (Youth Programme), John Brennan, Chief Commissioner (Adult Resources), Gillian Wharton, Chairperson National Spiritual Religious Advisory Panel.
MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE SCOUT FOUNDATION, SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND TRUST CORPORATION LIMITED AND SCOUTING TRUST PROPERTY
LIMITED (WHO HAvE HELD OFFICE IN 2009)
Niall Walsh, Terry Kiely, Mark Edmund Doyle, Aidan Brennan, Michael Devins, Kiernan Gildea (Resigned from Scout Foundation March 2009), John Reid, Michael John Shinnick, Rev. Gillian Wharton (Resigned from Scout Foundation March 2009), John Brennan (Resigned from Scout Foundation Mar 2009), Mark O’Callaghan.
PROvINCIAL COMMISSIONERS
Anne Smithers, Julie Malone, Wendy Morrow, Francis Minogue, Jimmy Cunningham, Pat Roche.
STAFF
Eamonn Lynch CEO
Noel O’Connor Administration Manager
Bridie O’Sullivan Administrative Officer (Retired: May 2009)
Rose Doyle Administrative Assistant (National Secretary)
Marie Dalton Registrar
Neil Mahony PR, Information / Communications Support Officer
